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Biopark
e.V. - Germany
Biopark is an organic farmers’ association based in the North of Germany, in
Mecklenburg-Vorpommerania. The organisation was established in 1991 by 16
farm enterprises, mainly suckler cow producers from Mecklenburg and
Brandenburg. This was a result of their common conserns to produce high
quality food, to respect animal welfare and to preserve the nature. Still,
more than 50% of the members of Biopark are beef producers.
Biopark farmers operate on
a scale of:
Total agricultural area
137589 ha
Cropland 57516 ha
Pasture
79643 ha
Permanent crops 430 ha
Biopark pursues the strategy to foster nature and animal welfare through
ecological land cultivation. To assure this purpose a system of a whole
chain certification of production, processing and trade of organic products
and foods was established. High production and processing standards,
impartial inspections combined with marketing and lobbying makes Biopark one
of major associations of organic farmers in Germany.
Biopark has about 650 members who meet at an annual General Assembly to
appoint a 17- member Board to manage the operation voluntarily. They are
supported by a Guideline Committee and a Certification Committee. Finances
are overseen by an Auditing Commission.
The
3-person Guideline Committee is responsible for the development of the high
production and processing standards, which are discussed and approved by the
membership assemly. Certification decisions are taken by the Certification
Committee.
Inspection work is contracted to separate inspection bodies within Germany
but mainly to one body, Fachverein Öko-Kontrolle e.V. Despite their common
roots the inspection body works independently from the Biopark association
but would cooperate in thier file management. The Fachverein e.V. is a
member of the German 'Conference of inspection bodies for organic
agriculture' or KdK in Germany.
In
1994 Biopark Markt GmbH was founded to promote the high value products of
Biopark members. Today, more than 20000 pigs and 12000 cattle are sold to
the big players in the retail market. Biopark is a reliable supplier of high
quality and quantity beef, pork, lamb and poultry.
Biopark is IFOAM accredited as a certification system since 2002.
Dr
Delia Micklich - Managing Director
Fr. Jutta Möller - Certification Manager |
